Maritime Reaction Squadron

Maritime Reaction Squadron
South African marines during an exercise aboard an Indian Navy ship
Founded	2006; 18 years ago (2006)
Country	South Africa
Branch	South African Navy
Type	Marine infantry
Role	Combat Diving Visit Board Search and Seizure Counter-terrorism Special Combat Craft Boat Service Harbour Patrol Maritime interdiction Amphibious Warfare Maritime Search and Rescue Riverine Patrol Littoral Operations Maritime Expeditionary Operations Humanitarian Assistance Foreign Internal Defence Peacekeeping
Size	Battalion
Part of	South African National Defence Force

The Maritime Reaction Squadron (MRS) is a specialised marine-like special operations capable Tier 2 unit of the South African Navy that provides a combat ready amphibious, diving and small boat capability to the Navy.^[1]

Formed as the Naval Rapid Deployment Force (NRDF) in 2005,^[2] the MRS deploys infantry-trained South African Navy personnel in various peacekeeping roles within the African continent and to assist in boarding operations at sea, humanitarian operations and disaster relief.^[1]